Shoal Bay is known for its vibrant blue skies and water but it could also be a contender for housing the world's smallest art gallery.
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Squeezed between The Body Spot and The Cafe and at just 10 square metres in size, the tiny Shoal Bay Art Gallery houses vibrant artworks and photographs created by four artists - Helen Love, Megan Barrass, Marilyn Dawes and Ray Anderson - which aim to showcase Port Stephens.
"The gallery is small in size though extra-large in impact and colour. The artworks range in size from a tiny sculptures that can fit in your hand to paintings that can fill a room," Ms Barrass said.
"Our [artists'] immediate surroundings definitely inspire our works - beautiful Port Stephens with scenes that we all experience: figures relaxing at the beach under the magnificently coloured array of umbrellas, bush walking and seeing native birds, seeing the well-used dinghies, tired up to an old wharf, our ferries and fish boats and our ocean.
"The gallery depicts how lucky we are to live here."
The idea for the gallery, which can be found within the Shoal Bay shopping village, was born when Ms Love opened The Body Spot. She was tossing up what to do with the extra small space attached to the massage and relaxation therapy shop when she got talking with Ms Barrass in April.
"It really just went from there," Ms Love said.
Ms Love, an ink artist, asked her partner, Mr Anderson, a hobby photographer, whether he would like to exhibit his photos of Port Stephens in the gallery. He said yes.
Ms Barrass, a painter, asked Ms Dawes, whom she knew through Port Stephens Community Arts Centre, whether she would like to show her sculptures in the Shoal bay gallery. Again, the answer was 'yes'.
The gallery opened on the October long weekend.
"We've had a lot of interest so far, and some sales," Ms Love said.
The works on display in the gallery ranges from ceramics and photography to mix media framed sketches, alcohol inks and large scale paintings.
The artworks depict Port Stephens - whether through colour, scenes, themes and inspiration.
Ms Barrass encouraged visitors to the area to check out the works, many of which can be seen through the gallery's windows.
"Visitors can buy an artwork as a unique souvenir of their time in Port Stephens," she said. "And it will be supporting local artists."
Find the gallery at Shop 22, Shoal Bay Village, Shoal Bay.
The gallery is attended on Fridays and Saturdays between 10am and 4pm.
On other days, the gallery can be accessed and sales can be made through The Body Spot.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
